Democratic Platform Mentions ELLs
Over at Campaign K-12, my colleague Michele McNeil notes that the Democratic National Committee has posted its education policy positions online.
The 94-page document contains the following sentences about English-language learners and language learning in general:
We will also meet our commitment to special education and to students who are English Language Learners. We support full funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. We also support transitional bilingual education and will help limited English proficient students get ahead by supporting and funding English Language Learner classes. We support teaching students second languages, as well as contributing through education to the revitalization of American Indian languages.
Comments
For the full statement and the list of signers go to the link at the Institute for Language Education and Policy:
http://www.elladvocates.org/documents/NY/Systemic_Crisis.pdf
Luis O. Reyes
Posted by: Luis O. Reyes, Ph.D. | August 18, 2008 9:30 PM
I note that this is just a draft, not an official policy statement that will be proposed to or adopted by the Democrat National Convention.
There is very little in this draft document on education. Only two pages on K-12 education and the language is always general rather than specific. As far as ELLs are concerned, the only reference is quoted above. There, it is not clear what is meant by "English Language Learner" classes.
Posted by: Charles Stansfield | August 19, 2008 1:05 PM
Let's hope. Senator Clinton and another member of Congress have proposed a tax break and encouragement on becoming an ESOL teacher. It would be well worth it to provide a draft.
Posted by: Lynn E | August 19, 2008 10:06 PM